Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-09-29
GOVERNOR WATERMAN.
B;ogra Dhical Sketch of Him Published
at the East

\ NJ inc EAST
The Chicas,o hterOeean publishes, with
fineIy-engraYe,' portrait, the following
biographical mention. of the newly -inaugu-
rated Governor of this state:
Robert Whitney Wata man, who has
! been called to the guberndlOn'al char of
the Golden State, through the death of
Governor Bartlett, was elected Lieul enant-
Governor of California on the Republ, can
ticket in 1885, at which time the genera
Democratic State ticket was successful
with, but two other exceptions. His NOM
lnatlon had been entirely unsought, and,
as he hadnot previously been distinguished
in politics, his election by plurality of
1900 votes in the very mixed political
contest of that year was a noteworthy out
come of the campaign.
Governor Waterman, who is bright
and sturdy type of the self-made man, was
born in Fairfield, Herkimer county, New
York, December ID, 1926. His father was
a merchant, and died when the son was a |
mere lad. Two years later, in company |
with three elder brothers, he went to Syca- |
more, Ill, In what was then sparsely set |
tied region. Up to his Goth year he served |
as clerk III a country store In 1916 he |
engaged in business for himself as a gem
eral merchant in Belvidere, Ill, and for a |
quarter of a century conducted success
fully an extensive establishment, at the |
same time giving attention to agricultural |
pursuits, for which he has always had a |
fondness. In September 1S47, he married |
Miss Jane Gardner, of Belvidere. They |
have had seven children, six of whom
are living. In 1850 Mr.. Waterman
went to California with the early tide
of immigration, and engaged as did most |
OF the pioneers OF that day, in mining.
Two years later he returned to Illinois.
locating at Wilmington He attended the |
first Republican Convention held in Hi
nols, at bloomington, in 1854, and has al
ways been a consistent and faithful sup-
porter of Republican principles. Remoy-
ing to California in 1873, he established |
hiss home at San Bernardino, that State. in
the following year. He had already ac-
qulred practical and valuable mining ex
perlence, and starting out as prospector,
and undergoing many hardships and adj
ventures was finally successful in discover |
ing and developing what has come to be
known as the Calico mining district in
San Bernardino county. He has always re-
tanned his liking for agriculture, and is the
owner of extensive ranch properties in
Southern California. His mountain ranch,
near San Bernardino, which he has made
one OF the most beautiful and charming
homes III the State, is the admiration of
thousands of travellers every wear.
Governor Waterman is also the
owner of the famous Stonewall
gold mine in San Diego county, and
has interested himself in the building of
railroads and other public improvements
IN various parts of the State. At his home
Governor Waterman stands high in the
esteem of his neighbors and he enjoys. to a
degree which must be gratifying to high
minded man, the confidence of the people
of the great State to the head of whose gov
ernment he has been called lie came to
the Chair of the Senate without previous
experience as a presiding officer, but ac-
quilted himself in manner that COM
manded the respect of that body and of the
people, and succeeded in winning over his
severest critics of opposite political faith.
Since he has been called to the Governors
chair one of the leading Democratic jour
mails of the State has been candid enough
to say editorially: 1--WE are satisfied that
his strong, sterling honesty will make it
impossible for him to commit a single dis
honorable action, politically or otherwise.
while he occupies the office of Governor of
California. He has strong force of charac-
ter; good, sound, keen Judgment; he is
honest, courageous and self-reliant"